Cruise News & FAQs
We're charting the web to uncover what’s making waves—ships, tips, and unexpected blips!
NEWS & FAQS
1/4/20265 min read


Welcome aboard our latest wave of cruise news and clues! We’ve scoured the seas of social media, cruise groups, and online articles to bring you the best of what’s making waves. With so many tips, tricks, and Q&As floating around out there, we’re here to help you navigate the chatter and find the real treasures. Let’s dive in.
Cruise News
A newly upheld Hawaii cruise tax sparks concern, with Norwegian sounding the alarm while Royal Caribbean keeps its cards close to the vest.
Holland America is celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday with a patriotic, history-filled sailing worthy of fireworks.
https://cruisefever.net/holland-america-line-offering-iconic-cruise-for-americas-250th-anniversary/
From polar ice to remote jungles, these expedition cruises prove adventure travel doesn’t mean roughing it.
https://www.the-independent.com/travel/cruise/best-expedition-cruises-b2888960.html
Cleveland’s growing cruise scene gets a shake-up as new players enter the Great Lakes market.
From mega-ships to itinerary shakeups, these are the cruise stories that defined the year.
https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/the-biggest-cruise-news-stories-of-2025
Cruise Industry 2025: New Ships, Private Islands, and Big Innovation
Carnival’s Half Moon Cay earns its reputation with sugar-soft sand, crystal water, and classic beach-day perfection.
https://www.travelandleisure.com/half-moon-cay-carnival-private-island-11872883
NCL cleans up its booking process, making cruise pricing clearer and less confusing for travelers.
Growing regional tensions leave cruisers weighing safety concerns and itinerary changes.
https://www.cruisehive.com/cruisers-react-as-tensions-grow-in-the-southern-caribbean/195588
27 New Cruise Ships Launching in 2026.
https://connectingtravel.com/features/27-new-cruise-ships-launching-in-2026
Cosplayers Invited to Compete at Sea During CosCruise Championship
Cruise Passenger Swept Out to Sea During Port Visit in Spain
https://www.cruisehive.com/cruise-passenger-swept-out-to-sea-during-port-visit-to-spain/195467
Military activity prompts Norwegian to adjust itineraries, impacting upcoming Caribbean cruises.
https://www.thetravel.com/norwegian-cruise-line-cancels-more-cruises-curacao-military-activity/
These rare cruises offer front-row seats to one of nature’s most jaw-dropping events.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/solar-eclipse-cruise
From perks to points, here’s how loyal NCL cruisers can unlock real onboard value.
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/cruises/norwegian-cruise-line-latitudes-rewards/
A Thanksgiving sailing sparks debate after spa rules appear to be broken.
Family Denied Boarding After Forgetting One Essential Document
https://www.cruisemummy.co.uk/family-denied-cruise-boarding-after-forgetting-one-essential-document/
Mystery Deepens as Guest Disappears from Mediterranean Cruise
How Travel Advisors Are Building the Perfect Cruise Vacation for 2026
Royal Caribbean reshuffles ships, resulting in canceled sailings and itinerary changes.
https://www.cruisehive.com/multiple-royal-caribbean-sailings-scrapped-due-to-redeployment/195255
Ever wonder why ship Wi-Fi behaves the way it does? Here’s the tech behind it.
https://www.virginvoyages.com/ahoy/stories/how-wifi-works-on-a-cruise-ship
Explore glaciers, rainforests, and iconic cities with this deep dive into South American cruising.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/complete-guide-south-america-cruises/
Modern cruise dining now rivals land-based restaurants with variety, flexibility, and flavor.
Virgin Voyages makes waves by prioritizing inclusivity and body positivity at sea.
From industry shakeups to viral moments, these stories had cruisers talking all year.
https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/biggest-cruise-stories-of-the-year/
Major milestone marks Carnival’s growing private-destination success.
https://www.carnival-news.com/2025/12/18/carnival-welcomes-one-millionth-guest-at-celebration-key
New itineraries promise more variety, flexibility, and destination access across the U.S.
Fresh itineraries and experiences signal big plans for future Caribbean cruising.
The cruise line debuts its first beach club, blending resort vibes with cruise convenience.
A globe-spanning journey promises bucket-list destinations and months at sea.
Sun-soaked itineraries return, along with the popular Free at Sea Plus perks.
A casual, high-energy dining experience rolls out across the Margaritaville fleet.
A dramatic rescue highlights quick thinking and a mother’s instinct during a port stop.
Carnival consequences for misbehaving teen- too harsh or not harsh enough?
Woman missing after going overboard.
US attacks on Venezuela- how it's impacting travel.
https://www.cruzely.com/u-s-attack-on-venezuela-impacts-some-cruises-heres-what-to-know/
Clues & FAQs
Royal Q&A
Where do you find the luggage tags for the cruise?
Usually in an email around 30 days prior to departure date.
Log in on the website.
Scroll down to the bottom where it says your reservation number, guest names, boarding pass, and below all of that, click on view more details and the tags will be right there.
How far in advance should I book and pay for drink packages & excursions?
Book those now and you can always cancel and rebook when the prices drop.
Excursion ASAP
Drink packages you have up to 48 hours before your sail date to buy online.
What would you all bring medication wise?
Bonine, Tylenol adults and kids, cold and flu tablets, airborne, anti diarrhea tablets, Buscopan, hand sanitizer, Pepto, Lysol Wipes, antacids, Elderberry, cough drops, probiotics, allergy meds
As a person with a child on immune replacement therapy that cruises often here is our MUST do’s
1) the moment you enter the room Lysol/clorox wipe EVERYTHING
2) wash hands extremely frequently
3) bring your own cups that have a cover over the mouth part that you don’t have to touch to open (we like owala)
4) wipe room (high touch areas) down daily
5) carry hand sanitizer and use often - our rule is changing floors or areas of the boat (ie going from front to back)
MSC Q&A
Where do I find the luggage tags?
They should be attached to the email with your boarding pass, also check you spam/junk folder
If you are trying to get your luggage tags resent, it can only be done by a PC.
Any advice? I am trying to check in for an upcoming cruise, and no matter how I try (app, mobile browser, PC browser, different browsers), I keep getting an error that won't allow me to save the passport info.
I had an issue with the way the phone number and/or postal code was entered. Try changing up how you are inputting info (spaces, dashes, etc.).
Had to call the main number. Info given over phone easily. Email instantly sent with e ticket, boarding pass and luggage tags
Disney Q&A
Do they provide life jackets on the ship for around the pool and on the Disney island?
They do have life jackets on the ship and on Disney’s Islands.
NCL Q&A
What happens if it’s a rainy day at Great Stirrup Cay? Will we go elsewhere?
NO
What has your experience been regarding serious food allergies when dining on Norwegian ships?
Fill out an access form on the NCL accessibility web page in advance.
Go straight to the theater and to the head Maître D. They will go over everything with you.
NCL does a great job for special diets.
Virgin Q&A
Inside scoop: If you’re sailing in the Valiant Lady and want to grab a bite in a relax, open terrace vibe overlooking the ocean, go to the Dock and enjoy the Opa Hour at 3:30pm ship time.
Best spot on the ship for sure
My absolute favorite part of the ship to hang out!
Mmmmm the mezze platter
Were there any bars that you felt like you got more of a “bang for your buck”?
Nope all my strawberry lemon drops tasted the same and had a lil punch
At the dock house, golden horizon is mad strong
Yes, definitely, the gallery and the manor poured a great drink compared to the rest!!
On the Rocks was exceedingly the best bar in our experiences on 3 different ships
The Dock House was my Favorite but the Casino didn’t disappoint me either. But you get better drinks at the Casino if you go to the bar instead of using a server.
The Sip Lounge never disappoints!
Please remember, the above Q&A are what cruisers have posted on social media forums. Facts, opinions, charges, policies, etc., may change. Please refer to your specific cruise line or your travel agent to receive the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Charting Chandlers
Your trusted partner in personalized cruise planning
Connect
© 2025. All rights reserved.


